Bright

Indeed it is but over they years we have acumuleted alot that we drag to our careening camp from a small A frame and sleeping on the ground to cots and now a bed in our 14 x 14 marque with a 9 x 14 fly.(the box at the foot of the bed is for the tent lines,stakes and Fly) If you can off load at the camp site it's not bad. But if theres a long haul from the parking to the camp site its a pain. We hand to make some long hauls of late as they didn't want use driving on their grassy field. So my next project is this garden cart/bench I plan is to replace the rubber wheels with cannon truck wheels and then when not transporting items use it as a bench in camp ;-}

http://www.thingstobuild.com/platform-cart-1.html

Bright - thanks for that! I really liked the analogy and all the little quotes

Thank you for those words of encouragement there are many topics that I lurk about and try to follow in here and feel no need to get embroiled in. But I thought your healthy does of something positive was worth coming out of the shadows at the risk of ruining my reputation as a really bad egg ;-}

By me hand

Edward Bright

Stress

A lecturer when explaining stress management to an audience raised a glass of water and asked "How heavy is this glass of water?" Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g.

The lecturer replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long you try to hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance.

In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."

He continued, "And that's the way it is with stress management.

If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on. "

"As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again.

When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden."

"So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down. Don't carry it home. You can pick it up tomorrow. Whatever burdens you're carrying now, Let them down for a moment if you can."

So, my friend put down anything that may be a burden to you right now. Don't pick it up again until after you've rested a while.

Here are some great ways of dealing with the burdens of life:

* Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue.

* Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.

* Always read stuff that will make you look good If you die in the middle of it.

* Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be recalled by their maker.

* If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.

* If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.

* It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply being kind to others.

* Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on.

* Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.

* Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.

* The second mouse gets the cheese.

* When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.

* Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.

* You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.

* Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.

* We could learn a lot from crayons... Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names, and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.

*A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

Ship Mate Ed Lowe bilt his with rabbited and mortise jonts and his story is he stole it from a french noble thus the fancy blue head boad and gold filigagee, but if yea not bees a machinist mate use the dowels as a smipler alterative. Rustic or fancy can bee doine with a rope bed ;-}

Bright- what are you using for a mattress?

First we used a colman inflatable inside a futon cover lite and easy to pack except for blowing it up. Then me wife wanted a futon mattress it's heavy as a bear to move but she's happy so thats what I pack now ;-}

Very, very cool. Thank you very much for putting those pictures up. I had my diamond tent with bed / other accoutraments set up yesterday. I wish I'd thought to take some pictures. That was a quick dry run though. I'll snag some pictures when I set it up for real.

Have you thought about using an axe to round over your uprights ?

A few pub members were in the video!

HOLY CRAP!!!.....I'm the CABIN BOY....!?!???!

Isn't booty suppose to be devide among the crew ;-}

Well yea beat mine for sure on price mate got mine at an antique mall real deal from the periord for around a hundred bucks. Note the the rails bees rounded and have pegs much faster to rope up. The end rails and side rails bees treaded wood and screws into the up rights.

This been her dresed out in me camp in Charleston SC at the tall ships I has to kick the top rail off the foot boad at night as me feet sticks out some as they were shorter in them days ;-}

yar! yes, I believe I found that one too, on the Brute Force website. As far as I'm concerned, she's the Grand Queen of all pirate wenches.

To each his own but I like a ship full any time ;-}

http://midsouthbuccaneers.ning.com/video/the-queen-fairy

I found a pic of this fine wench whilst cruising the net and now I can't find it again. I know she attended Dragoncon 2006 because there's a few more of her from that event.

this is her

The pic I'm looking fer is much the same as this, 'cept clearer and larger and she's outside at the parade.

Iffin' anyone of you lot have this pic, please share

Arrr

Okay, I work one full time job and 2 part time jobs. Yeah it is a lot but it has to be done. So my full time job requires me to work overtime, often at the drop of a hat. I can come in and work a full shift only to be told that they need me to work a few more hours. I try and be a good a employee and help out as much as I can. Back in June the Boss laid off 19 employees to keep the company profitable. Over time is now frequent and often forced upon us. The Boss has not asked me to work on my time off, when he knows that I am working another job(s), yet. That is about to change. Shadowy threats and rumors have been over heard; I have been warned that he is about to ask me to blow off my weekend job to work overtime. Should I refuse I risk being let go. If I miss a weekend at my weekend part time job I will endanger that job as well (and they never make demands upon me). My part time jobs pay better than the full time job but are only for a few hours per week (10 and 20 hours respectively). I put in as much OT as I can without effecting my part time jobs but it is the weekends the Boss hungers for. How would you play this situation out?

Yea seem to be pressed ganged there mate I believe yea bee foolish to take the kings shilling.

I know the economy sucks but and one does what they must to meet ones obligations but no mater the pay if one is not happy it’s not worth it. Yea never hear people at a funeral say they wish they had spent more time at work as tomorrow is promised to no one. “A short life but a merry one” that bees why so many went on account when given the choice mate. You and no one else must live with the choices yea make if yea bees a free man then you chose how to play the hand your dealt. We have no control over what hand we have been dealt but we do have control how we play our cards ;-}

In the Beginning....... Where did the Hammock Originate? Most Central American countries including Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Costa Rica ~ and South American countries like Brazil and Equador ~ have a rich and ancient heritage associated with hammocks that predate North Americans by 800 - 900 years. It is generally accepted that the origins of the hammock began approximately 1000 years ago in Central America by the Mayan Indians. This advanced culture which produced the most accurate calendar, the Mayan calendar, built the architecturally exquisite pyramids and stone palaces, created their own writing system, and were extraordinary astronomers and mathematicians, also designed a web-like hammock which is still in use today and considered to be the most ingenious and comfortable of all hammocks.

Originally, the hammock was a simple, yet functional device that was used for both comfort as well as protection. Most of the earliest known uses of the hammock were by native fishermen, who used the fishing nets for both work and rest. Besides a great place to sleep, these early hammocks also offered an even more functional aspect to dally life, protection. As most of the pre-Columbian dwellings were open air huts with bare flooring, making it very accessible for snakes, scorpions, rodents and other dangerous and potentially fatal vermin to enter. They found that by sleeping in a suspended state, they were not only comfortable, but safe. Poisonous snakes of South and Central America will not climb higher than their body length, so hammocks were a natural and logical way to protect oneself. The hammock also offered an escape from water; dirt or other unsanitary conditions that existed within the early New World.

The earliest hammocks were woven from the bark of the Hamak tree. The Sisal plant {similar in looks to an Aloe Vera plant} later replaced the bark as the material of choice for the hammock because it was more abundant, and its fibers could be softened by rubbing them against the thigh.

Because of the extensive trade routes which were established between the Indian nations of Central and South America, the hammock naturally found its way into the heart and home of millions of natives. Hammocks were soon being made from indigenous fabrics and materials which resulted in a multitude of styles, which have evolved to the classic cloth/fabric hammock, typical of Brazil, and cord and rope hammocks similar to today's styles.

Shortly after Columbus dropped anchor in the "New World" hoping to find shiploads of gems, spices and fine silks he found, instead, a load of natives of the Bahamas lounging in hammocks for their afternoon siesta and demonstrating their genetically superior disdain for time! Columbus decided to take a load of hammocks back to Europe with him, along with the few gold trinkets he was given {which would ultimately create the first gold rush in the new world and be the beginning of the end of many great nations}, probably to substitute for the lack of other "Eastern treasures". Soon, many European sailors, particularly the British and the French, found the hammocks very useful and practical for sleeping at sea.

The Europeans generally utilized canvas cloth for their hammocks, which the Navy used for three centuries. These naval hammocks, unlike their predecessors, were small, sweaty and cramped - each sailor was allowed about 4 inches in width! During battle engagements, the hammocks were rolled up in tight bundles and jammed into racks on the ship's gunwales as protection against small arms fire. A few bullet holes were probably welcome ventilation to the sailors!

In 19th century Britain the prison system incorporated the hammock as their standard sleeping apparatus because of its space saving qualities. The large brass hammock loop ends were hung over two large hooks securely fastened to opposing walls and could be taken down and folded up or hung off one hook for storage to create instant space {a technique commonly used today indoors}. However, when the inmates realized what sweet little weapons the brass rings made, the wardens got rid of them.

In the 18th century hammocks in North America were still considered a novelty. Most hammocks were narrow with wood staves and demanded agility and balance. It wasn't until the 1880's, thanks in part to a wider version, that the hammock became popular in North America.

Can only imagine why salors would think of using sails ;-}

My wife would like to have a dagger for her costume and we were thinking about getting one that she could attach to her thigh. Anyone have any thoughts as to where to get one?

Daggers are easy to come by what kind how much do yea wish to spend what size and then the scabbard will help determine haw yea attach it to the costume or thigh ;-}

I'm selling this on another forum, but thought I'd post it here too just in case anyone was interested.

http://frontierfolk.net/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=25663

See one in action here

If memory serves, the lanterns are iron.

Mabbe they can make what yea need lass ;-} http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.grahamslighting.com/hardware/img208.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.grahamslighting.com/custom.html&usg=__8gkJzzDGxpFQ6XOSwsgH6yjIgDk=&h=471&w=221&sz=39&hl=en&start=577&tbnid=-up0d6baLYIExM:&tbnh=129&tbnw=61&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dlarge%2BIron%2Blanterns%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D20%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26sa%3DN%26start%3D560

http://www.hmsrichmond.org/ has plans for hammocs. a little late for the period, but its not like there was lots of samples left behind either.

I think that is where I got the information I used to make my hammock, But it looks like they changed their format, and I couldn't find the info to be sure.

Try this link & click on the hammocs http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.hmsrichmond.org/images/hamck1.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.hmsrichmond.org/hamock.htm&usg=__bECdPo_1qwvrrbaqs_bWn_8X8L4=&h=285&w=669&sz=14&hl=en&start=8&um=1&tbnid=v7rjb-o7YYTWaM:&tbnh=59&tbnw=138&prev=/images%3Fq%3DShips%2Bhammocks%2Bpattern%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26rlz%3D1R2ADBR_en%26sa%3DG%26um%3D1

Anyone know where I can find powder bottles, like the ones pictured below?

Powder bottles

I try heres mate http://sykesutler.home.att.net/index.htm

Fascinating, since the USS Constitution was launched in 1797.

This is an old urban legend that sadly that website has reposted.

Here's the history:

USS Constitution History

And here's why the legend exists, the first use is in a speech by the Secretary of the Navy as an opening joke in a speech BUT then he claimed it was true at the end of the joke! A misspeak by a politician, said it was true for comedic effect, or did he get excited and belive his own joke? The speech can be found on the US Navy Website.

Sec Navy Dalton's Speech 1998 (Wow, can't trust a politician to get history right who would have guessed?)

However, looking at another of his speeches one quickly sees how he uses old history jokes to open and support his speech. Here's another one that is also a current urban legend that has evolved from battleship to aircraft carrier task force:

Battleship vs. Lighthouse 1998 Speech

Here's the text for that link:

In the 1950s, a battleship captain operating in a dense

fog sent the following message to a dim light seen in the

distance. “Please alter course;” to which the response was

“Unable. You will need to change course.” The Captain,

somewhat agitated, sent a second message: “I am the captain of

a United States Navy battleship, and I demand that you change

course.” The response came back: “I am a petty officer, in

charge of a light house.” Guess who changed course!

Udate modern version http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=58993499

Thank you both for the suggestion!

I found Weavers online and already spoke to them, while they were very nice and had exactly what I want and need... They only sell wholesale...

I will lookup some of the local saddlers though, that is a good suggestion, because I very much want the brass over the copper (I think I have some copper ones, and Tandy sells them if I dont).

Failing a local saddler having them, I will check out Witmer coachworks in PA.

Thanks again for both of your suggestions!

Do yea have a Tracktor Supply near bys http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CatalogSearchResultView?storeId=10551&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&pageSize=20&beginIndex=0&sType=SimpleSearch&resultCatEntryType=2&error1=&ip_text=rivits&ip_textHH=rivits&ip_requestUri=ProductDisplay&ip_categoryId=&ip_mode=&ip_perPage=20

Thank you both for the suggestion!

I found Weavers online and already spoke to them, while they were very nice and had exactly what I want and need... They only sell wholesale...

I will lookup some of the local saddlers though, that is a good suggestion, because I very much want the brass over the copper (I think I have some copper ones, and Tandy sells them if I dont).

Failing a local saddler having them, I will check out Witmer coachworks in PA.

Thanks again for both of your suggestions!

Do yea have a Tracktor Supply near bys http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CatalogSearchResultView?storeId=10551&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&pageSize=20&beginIndex=0&sType=SimpleSearch&resultCatEntryType=2&error1=&ip_text=rivits&ip_textHH=rivits&ip_requestUri=ProductDisplay&ip_categoryId=&ip_mode=&ip_perPage=20

To whom it may concern:

Afer an appropriate period of deliberation, I have come to the decision to tender my resignation from (Insert Company Name Here), effective two weeks from the date you receive this letter.

Please know that I still maintain a high level of respect for you as a manager and colleague, and I thank you sincerely for the support and assistance you have offered me in each of these roles. I have been proud to work for (Insert Company Name Here) over the past (Insert Years At Company Here); it has been a journey that has provided me an unparalleled foundation to move forward to new and exciting opportunities.

As such, I have decided to become a professional pirate. It has always been a dream of mine to live the life of a swashbuckling corsair, beholden to none and master of all I survey. once my crew of unabashed rogues is assembled, we shall take to the capacious expanse of the high seas to pursue fortune, fame, and hair-raising or loosing adventure.

Our path may not be filled with the porcine comforts or technological marvels that (Insert Company Name Here) provides, but we shall nonetheless move forward to carve a name for ourselves in the annals of bold insurgency and death-defying daring-do. Once I have a keen blade at my hip and the Jolly Roger is flapping high above me, I believe I will find my true calling. After all, when you are a professional pirate, you don't have to wear a suit.

Please note that I am currently accepting applications for First-Officer, if you are at all interested in applying. I will provide a full medical and dental plan, along with a full disability policy, which will offer immediate coverage of all maladies other then scurvy and the occasional bout of rickets.

Sincerely,

X

Here we go again ;-}

Any opinions on Cold Steel vs. Paul Chen/Hanwei production swords?

Specifically I am looking at Cold Steel's Scottish broadsword vs. Hanwei's.

I would say that depends on weather or not you plan to use your blade in battle or not?

If you are going to do stage work with either on you’re going to need to dull them deliberately due too both making blades for use.

Paul Chen/Hanwei mass production they have know issues for a few bad blades to slip on to the market that have broken into, but considering the number they produced its very low and the dealer who sold it would be able to replace it depending on if the dealer offers any warranty in the first year were cold steel only give you and 30 day return policy.

IMO I like cold steel but all in all it depends on what you plans for the blade bees. I love Lynn Thompson proof videos were he abuses and demo the strength of all his products. If you need a real blade for real life survival many professionals trust cold steel .I don’t have any of his swords except for the training swords and they don’t currently have a training cutlass so I made my own from his bokkens. But in farness I have owned a number of his knives that never failed me when I need them in the most adverse conditions. The only problem I have ever had with cold Steel in keeping them as I had a number stolen and lost a few over the years and have not owned our used Hanwei products that I am aware of but do know about a half dozen guys that use his blade s in renfairs demos and are very satisfied as well but I don’t participate in tournaments currently so don’t have personnel experience with ethers swords on the field as it were.

Charleston History Enthusiasts!

Please join us for lunch at The Powder Magazine (79 Cumberland Street) during our fall Lunch & Lecture Series. Guests will enjoy seven different lunches provided by local restaurants with seven lectures presented by local historians. For more details, click here to view the official flyer: http://www.powdermag.org/lecture.html

Lunch & Lecture line up:

Lecture #1

When: October 7, 2009

Lecture: Michael Coker, Charleston Curiosities

Lunch: B.L.T., Chocolate Chunk Cookie, & water/sweet tea (Dixie Supply & Bakery)

Time: 12pm - 1pm

Lecture #2

When: October 14, 2009

Lecture: Mike Brown, Pirates of the Carolinas

Lunch: Greek Wrap, Sweet Potato Chips, Brownie, & water/sweet tea (The Buccaneer)

Time: 12pm - 1pm

Lecture #3

When: October 21, 2009

Lecture: Dr. Nicholas Butler, Musical Life in Colonial Charleston

Lunch: Pulled-pork Panini, chips, & water/sweet tea (The Blind Tiger)

Time: 12pm - 1pm

Lecture #4

When: October 28, 2009

Lecture: Mark Jones, Wicked Charleston

Lunch: Corned-beef & Swiss on Rye, chips, pick spear, & water/sweet tea (Tommy Condon's)

Time: 12pm - 1pm

Lecture #5

When: November 4, 2009

Lecture: Carl Borick, Charleston and the American Revolution

Lunch: Barbecue sandwich, a side, & water/sweet tea (Sticky Fingers)

Time: 12pm - 1pm

Lecture #6

When: November 11, 2009

Lecture: John Young, The Monuments of Charleston

Lunch: Angus beef Panini, chips, & water/sweet tea (The Blind Tiger)

Time: 12pm - 1pm

Lecture #7

When: November 18, 2009

Lecture: Sue Bennett, The Charleston Renaissance

Lunch: Cranberry Bog wrap, side, & water/sweet tea (Joseph's)

Time: 12pm - 1pm

All lectures will be presented at The Powder Magazine Museum (79 Cumberland Street). Reservations are required - please call (843) 722-9350. Tickets are $15 for one lunch/lecture or $90 for the series.

im very interested in a tutorial please as well ;-}